Redoing hull...keep dynaplates?

[Patrick of M]

My FG hull has 2 dynaplates (approx 3"x8") one fwd one aft.
It seems (I may need to double check) to be tied into the general grounding of the hull, all the bronze through hills are bonded together. Anyhow...I probably will never get a SSB, but of course have a vhf.
Bunch of contrary opinions out in etherland.
One is if bonded to the mast a dynaplate can explode during a lightning strike (water in the sintered bronze rapidly vaporised)
Thoughts?

[Benz]

I'm of the "no path to ground" school of thought. Don't invite the lightning by opening a door to it, I feel. Unless you need a Dynaplate because of SSB, which is now largely obsolete, it's just another potential failure spot.
Others feel differently.

[SailingHarmonie]

There is no disagreement I’m aware of in the use of a drnaplate. It can be part of a good ground plane for an ssb. It is not optimal for a lightning ground. In the absence of an external metal keel, a simple copper plate is the better choice.

The idea that a completely ungrounded boat is safer from lightning strikes is not controversial, it is just wrong.

Do note that bonding and lightning protective grounding are not the same thing, although frequently confused.

[deblen]

I've never seen any benefit to external hull mounted zinc/anodes/dynaplates on fiberglas recreational boats-for the purpose of anti-corrosion.

I've never seen much negative about them either-except it is not uncommon for someone to cause a "current leakage" by mistake,in a boat.If the thru hull fittings &/or "external anodes" are connected to this leakage,you have serious corrosion very quickly.
Therefore,I believe it is safer to not bond fittings & external hull mounted anodes.
This is personal observation & opinion.YMMV
Cheers/Len

[boatpoker]

Originally Posted by Patrick of M

One is if bonded to the mast a dynaplate can explode during a lightning strike (water in the sintered bronze rapidly vaporised)
Thoughts?

Dyna plates were never designed for bonding or lightning protection. I have seen the explosion results. They may still explode due to side flashes even if disconnected. Get rid of them.